Friday Stream of Consciousness – 57

Is there anyone our society is harsher on than losing head coaches of high-profile teams?

This morning, I’m wrapping up my annual preaching retreat, a time during which I get a way for a bit to plan the next year’s sermon calendar, spend time focusing on spiritual and emotional renewal, and also look at some long-range issues/plans for the church. Some friends of mind do this for an entire month. That’s much better than what I do—and it is likely more effective. However, this time away is indispensable to my ministry.

I’ve missed 2 years of these retreats in the last 15 years. (1 when Emily was uber-pregnant with Anna, and 1 when we were starting New Vintage Church). In both cases, it was right to miss. But there was a real, felt impact on ministry.

I’ve never understood why some churches ignore Easter and Christmas. What a missed opportunity to spend a season anchoring the church in Gospel rather than consumerism or Santa Claus.

One of the biggest disservices a preacher can do the congregation is go week-to-week with one’s preaching.

Why? Because the preacher will always be less prepared, and will tend to ride one’s hobby horses rather than serving a balanced spiritual diet. In addition, the perspective that planning gives you the advantage of grabbing illustrations as you encounter them in life over a year’s time, instead of between Monday and Thursday.

There are some changes coming to blog soon. Stay tuned.

The downside of the retreat is always time away from the family. But, I’ve learned these retreats bless family life over the long run. I’m a healthier person, and I’m more on top of life. That makes me much better to live with, and makes me a better husband and father.

Another interesting part of the retreat has been the relative lack of wifi where I am. That, my friends, has not been the worst thing in the world. It’s been more boring and also somewhat inconvenient. But, it’s also probably been good for me, as well.

The ability to keep one’s life in rhythm is a life skill I want to continue to pursue.

If you are looking for a good read, I highly recommend the book, Accidental Pharisees by Larry Osborne.

If you have an iOS device, I hope you’ll consider downloading my leadership experience, “Breaking Through Imaginative Gridlock.” Simply download Leadership Network’s Leadia app, and shop for it in the store.

I wish Norah Jones would come out with a Christmas album.

If I was trapped on a desert island with 3 Christmas albums. I’d probably pick Mariah Carey (the 1st Christmas album), A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Andrea Bocelli. How about you?

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Dr. Tim Spivey is Lead Planter of New Vintage Church in San Diego, California. He is the author of numerous articles and one book, "Jesus: The Powerful Servant." A sought after speaker for events, Tim also serves as Adjunct Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University. Tim serves as a church consultant, and his writings are featured on ChurchLeaders.com, Church Executive magazine, Faith Village, Sermon Central, and Giving Rocket.